Thomas Cornell ¹

  General Notes:

Thomas came on the 2nd Winthrop expedition to Boston in 1637. He settled Flushing, Long Island in 1643 and moved to Portsmouth, RI in 1654. He was an Ensign in the Portsmouth militia and served under Gov. Kieft against the Indians.

Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island

6 Sep 1638 Boston, He was licensed upon trial, to keep an Inn, in the room of William Baulstone till next General Court.

4 Jun 1639 He was fined 30 pounds, for several offenses, selling wine without license, and beer at 2d a quart.

6 Jun 1639 He was abated 10 pounds of his fine, and allowed a month to sell off his beer which is upon his hands, and then to cease from keeping entertainment, and the town to provide another.

14 Mar 1641 Freeman

1641 Constable

1642-44 Ensign

Sep 1643 He was for a brief period at New York (Throg's Neck), but Mr. Winthrop records under this date, that the Indians set upon the English who dwelt under the Dutch, and killed "such of Mr. Throckmorton's and Mr. Cornbill's families, as were at home." He further says of the English settlers: "these people had cast off ordinance and churches," and "for larger accommodation, had subjected themselves to the Dutch, and dwelt scatteringly near a mile asunder. Some that escaped the Indian attack went back to Rhode Island.

Thomas married Rebecca Elizabeth Briggs, daughter of Henry Briggs and Unknown. (Rebecca Elizabeth Briggs was born about 1600 in England ¹ and died on 8 Feb 1673 ¹.)